Hi Guys,
UPDATE... Today is the 28th day of the tractor being in the shop. One month. I finally wrote them an email because I'm tired of being cold and wet, and not able to feed my cattle.
Here is what I got back...
"... I discussed this repair with Robert S, our service manager this morning. Part of the delay was Mrs. xxx’s desire to have the rockshaft cylinder (3 point hydraulic cylinder) bore machined in a machine shop of her choosing as opposed to having us order a new one to replace it. We had the machine disassembled on 2-2-15. She picked up the part on 2-3-15 and returned it on 2-9-15 so we did have a week that we were not able to make progress on the unit. The hydraulic repairs are now completed but we are waiting on a shifter return spring to arrive. This spring was not initially requested to be replaced when the tractor was brought in for the hydraulic repair. It was found later, during the repair and authorized for replacement. The spring should be here within the next few days but all of our parts shipments have been delayed over the past week due to weather. We apologize for the delays and realize that with the nasty weather, your tractor is more critical to you than in nicer weather. We are striving to get it back as soon as possible... "
Actually, while I can't remember exactly how many days we had the bore (I think it was more like 3), they wanted to order and replace the whole unit, which costed about $3k or so.
The thing is... I haven't had a steady paycheck since 2006, when we moved to this farm, so as with most "working farms", most of the money I make is money that I DON'T SPEND. I was advised against further contact, other than to pay to get my (hopefully working) tractor back. While I am obviously at the mercy of the "Gods" (especially when we get the bill - getting dizzy just thinking about that), and I feel like an idiot, there is a part of me that feels like I am being penalized for trying to save some money.
I should have done better research. Kubotas are good machines, but God help you if something "big" happens. Even though I enjoy doing my own work, I need to look for better dealer service record and a domestic brand that can be fixed at more than one outfit... Plus, there are a few features I've seen on other tractors that look pretty cool, and the tractors are more reasonable/simpler to work on, too...
Say TEG, that exploded diagram of the hydraulic front cover was VERY informative! I didn't see the parts mentioned by that Kubota in his aforementioned/quoted email text in it, so I must admit. I'm a little lost. I'll go look in my shop manual and see if I can fill in some of the holes.
My cows are polishing off another bale of hay and I don't know what I'm going to do. At least the horses are a little easier...
Thanks again for your help!
